Best Transport in Seattle: 3 Must‑Try Spots

Seattle Travel Guide: How to Get Around Cheaply

Seattle is a city that’s notorious for traffic, but you don’t need a car to explore it. This Seattle travel guide shows how to hop on the most affordable public transport options and stay within budget.

Overview of Affordable Transport in Seattle

The video from Sharing the Road highlights three key modes: the Link Light Rail, the Seattle Monorail, and the Pier 52 Water Taxi. All rides cost under $3–$4 each way when you use an ORCA card—Seattle’s all‑in‑one transit pass. With the city’s efficient network of buses, light rail, monorail, and water taxis, you can see everything from the airport to West Seattle in less than 40 minutes.

Best Light Rail Experience in Seattle

• Link Light Rail
  • From SeaTac Airport to downtown: 38‑minute ride.
  • Taps on an ORCA card at the station; trains run every 6–10 minutes.
  • Ideal for first‑time visitors looking for a quick, cost‑effective transfer.

Best Monorail Ride in Seattle

• Seattle Monorail
  • Connects downtown to the area near the Space Needle.
  • One‑way fare: $3 per person.
  • Short, scenic trip that’s perfect for tourists wanting a quick elevator‑style view of the city.

Best Water Taxi in Seattle

• Pier 52 Water Taxi
  • From Pier 52 downtown to West Seattle.
  • Provides a relaxed boat ride across Puget Sound.
  • Great way to avoid traffic and enjoy waterfront scenery for less than $4.

Things to Do in Seattle Using Public Transport

• Ride the Link Light Rail from SeaTac Airport straight into downtown, then hop onto a bus to explore Pike Place Market or Capitol Hill.
• Take the Monorail up near the Space Needle and walk to the nearby Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
• Board the Pier 52 Water Taxi for a scenic trip to West Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood and grab fresh seafood at the local market.

Where to Eat in Seattle While on Public Transit

• Near the Link Light Rail station, try Pike Place Chowder for award‑winning chowder.
• At the Monorail stop, stop by The Pink Door for Italian fare with a view of the waterfront.
• After your water taxi ride, head to Ballard Fish Market on Pier 52 for fresh fish and local delicacies.

Pro Tips from the Video

• Get an ORCA card at any light rail station—self‑service kiosks are everywhere, including at SeaTac Airport.
• Load enough money for a round trip; most rides cost under $3.50 each way.
• If you’re traveling with someone else, remember that one ORCA card can only scan a single person on the Link Light Rail. Share a card on buses, but inform the driver so they can enable two‑passenger mode.
• Buses run frequently; use Google Maps or the official transit app to find the best route and transfer times.

Conclusion

Seattle’s public transport network is fast, affordable, and easy to navigate—especially with an ORCA card in hand. Whether you’re hopping on the Link Light Rail from SeaTac Airport, riding the Monorail near the Space Needle, or taking a water taxi across Puget Sound, you’ll experience Seattle without breaking the bank. Pack your camera, grab an ORCA card, and explore all that Seattle has to offer!